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Union seeks injunction over COVID-19

Anchorage, Alaska (KINY) - The Alaska State Employees Association filed a temporary restraining order seeking an injunction to force the state to enforce social distancing and work at home for non-essential state employees.

KTVA News reported the state has required workers to report to work unequipped with personal protective equipment in offices that do not allow them to practice proper social distancing.

ASEA/AFSCME Local 52 said the decision to go to the courts came after multiple attempts to convince the Dunleavy administration to implement normal safety protocols due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The union released this statement in its news release.

"In his press conferences and in his own messages to employees, the Governor asks employees to work from home if they can and to work with their supervisors to get telework approval. But in reality, employees’ supervisors are being denied the ability to grant permission from upper management, which is effectively an arm of the Administration," the release states. "This confusion and inconsistent messaging are delaying necessary safety measures, risking the health and safety of all Alaskans during a pandemic."

On Monday the ASEA sent a petition to the governor with more than 400 signatures urging immediate action.

Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - The City and Borough of Juneau Parks & Recreation Department is opening the Dimond Park Aquatic Center June 15 under a modified operation plan, which requires patrons to make a reservation for pool time.